Interview With Author Otescia Johnson
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an avid reader and author of 15 published books. I write across four different genres and love keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is “Married by Christmas” and it was inspired by a single thought, how far will social comparison drive a person? I wanted to explore the lengths a person can be driven to when they consistently compare themselves to others.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if this is weird or not, but I love to write when I am not feeling the best emotionally. Writing is such a cathartic activity for me. It pulls me out of negative thought patterns and helps expand my mind to the possibility of better days.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been influenced by so many fantastic authors, I am afraid I am going to leave some off of this list. Therefore, my disclaimer is, here are a few authors who come to mind at the moment. E. Lynn Harris, Bebe Moore Campbell, Nicholas Sparks, Scott Pratt, Kimberla Lawson Roby, John Grisham, Shonda Rhimes, and Brian W. Smith.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on 3 novels; “Illegal Justice”, “Lies of the Father”, and “Jamie’s Revenge”.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I enjoy promoting my books on social media and via my mailing list. I’ve built my entire following by connecting with strangers online.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
The best advice I can give to a new author is to write the story of your heart. There will be many differing opinions from people with varying levels of expertise, most of which will make perfect sense when spoken. The problem is, listening to other people can become overwhelming and confusing. Instead, get in tune with your characters and honor their story. Write from your heart and seek the guidance of an experienced editor to help make a good story a timeless classic.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I ever heard was to create muscle memory for writing. This means getting up every day and writing. Don’t procrastinate. Don’t judge the quality of your writing, simply write. You can’t be a writer if you never write because the thing about a writer is, a writer writes.
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading, “Finding Me” by Viola Davis.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to spend the next few years finishing all of the stories I’ve put on the back burner while building my publishing imprint.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
If I were stranded, I’d bring; “An Innocent Client” by Scott Pratt, “Bamboozled by Jesus” by Yvonne Orji, “The Color Purple” by Alice Walker, and “72 Hour Hold” by Bebe Moore Campbell.
Author Websites and Profiles
Otescia Johnson Amazon Profile
Otescia Johnson’s Social Media Links